Anaerobic Sealant Thread for Locking Chemical-Resistant Pipe Joints

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current sealant materials for threaded pipe joints, such as PTFE tape and solvent-based compounds, face issues with leakage under dynamic loads, poor solvent resistance, and the need for re-torquing, while also being messy and requiring expertise for consistent application, especially in applications involving high temperatures and chemicals.

Innovation Solution

A sealant material comprising an elongate flexible thread coated with an anaerobically curable composition that cures in the absence of air, providing a secure, leak-resistant, and corrosion-resistant seal without the need for solvents, and is easy to apply, maintaining effectiveness over long periods.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Object-affected harmful factors

If PTFE tape is used for sealing, then chemical resistance is improved, but locking ability deteriorates causing fittings to loosen under dynamic loads

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvechemical resistanceVSAvoidlocking ability

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines PTFE tape with an anaerobic adhesive to create a composite sealing material that integrates the chemical resistance of PTFE with the locking capability of the adhesive, resolving the contradiction between chemical resistance and locking ability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention uses a composite structure where PTFE tape is impregnated with anaerobic adhesive, creating a material that exhibits both the chemical inertness of PTFE and the bonding strength of the cured adhesive, simultaneously achieving chemical resistance and locking ability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

2Reliability

If solvent-based sealing compounds are used, then sealing ability is improved, but shrinkage during cure worsens compromising seal efficiency

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesealing abilityVSAvoiddimensional stability during cure

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the fundamental parameter of the curing mechanism from solvent evaporation (which causes shrinkage) to anaerobic polymerization (which maintains dimensional stability), thereby preserving both sealing ability and dimensional stability during the curing process

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Ease of operation

If non-curing sealing compounds are used, then application simplicity is improved, but locking ability deteriorates providing no locking

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveapplication simplicityVSAvoidlocking ability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The invention changes the state parameter of the sealing compound from non-curing to curable (anaerobically), transforming it from a simple lubricant into a material that provides both ease of application and subsequent locking ability through curing

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the purely mechanical action of non-curing compounds with a chemical curing mechanism (anaerobic polymerization) that provides locking, while maintaining the ease of application characteristics of the original compounds

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

4Reliability

If hemp and paste is used, then sealing ability is improved, but assembly time worsens being slow to assemble

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesealing abilityVSAvoidassembly speed

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the physical state and application characteristics of the sealing material from a messy paste requiring manual manipulation to a clean, pre-applied coating on the thread, dramatically reducing assembly time while maintaining sealing ability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

The solution effectively seals and locks threaded joints, resisting vibration, corrosion, and chemical exposure, while being easy to use and maintain, with the anaerobically curable composition remaining stable and usable intermittently, ensuring long-term integrity and performance.

Implementation Method 1

a joint sealing composition comprising an anaerobically curable composition in solid form

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAnaerobic curing:

Data Source

PatentUS11618841B2Sealant material

Publication Date: 2023.04.04 HENKEL KGAA

AI summary

A sealant material for sealing joints between male and female mating parts comprising:(a) an elongate flexible thread suitable for wrapping around at least one of the parts, and(b) a joint sealing composition comprising an anaerobically curable composition in solid form,the flexible thread being coated with the anaerobically curable composition. This provides a reactive composition on the thread for sealing joints.